Creating a blueprint in Wrike is an essential task for effectively organizing and controlling projects. As an experienced Wrike user, I have found the blueprint feature to be exceptionally helpful in simplifying workflows and maintaining uniformity across projects. In this article, I will walk you through the steps of creating a blueprint in Wrike, providing personal insight and commentary along the way.
What is a Blueprint?
Before we dive into the process, let’s briefly discuss what a blueprint is in the context of Wrike. A blueprint is essentially a master template that allows you to define the structure, tasks, and dependencies of a project. It serves as a blueprint (hence the name) for future projects with similar characteristics, enabling you to save time and effort by reusing predefined project structures.
Step 1: Define Your Project Structure
When creating a blueprint in Wrike, it’s essential to start by defining the project structure. This includes identifying the main tasks, subtasks, and dependencies within the project. Take some time to brainstorm and plan out the desired structure before diving into Wrike.
Step 2: Create a Blueprint Project
Once you have a clear understanding of the project structure, log in to your Wrike account and navigate to the Projects tab. Click on the “+ New Project” button and select “Blank Project” to create a new project. Give your blueprint project a name that clearly represents its purpose, such as “Project Blueprint Template.”
Step 3: Set Up the Project Tasks
Now that you have created the blueprint project, it’s time to set up the tasks. Start by creating the main tasks that represent the different stages or deliverables of your project. For example, if you are creating a blueprint for a web development project, you might have tasks like “Design”, “Development”, and “Testing.”
Once you have created the main tasks, you can start adding subtasks beneath each one. Subtasks help break down the main tasks into more manageable steps. For instance, under the “Design” task, you might have subtasks like “Wireframing”, “UI Design”, and “Feedback Gathering.”
Step 4: Define Task Dependencies
Task dependencies are crucial in ensuring that the project flows smoothly and efficiently. In Wrike, you can easily define task dependencies by linking tasks together. To do this, select the task that is dependent on another task and click on the “Dependencies” tab in the task details panel. From there, you can add the task(s) it is dependent on. This ensures that tasks are completed in the correct order and helps prevent any bottlenecks in the project.
Step 5: Customize Task Templates
Now that you have set up the basic project structure, you can customize task templates to add a personal touch and tailor them to your specific needs. Wrike offers various customization options, such as assigning owners, setting due dates, adding descriptions, and attaching files. Take advantage of these features to make the blueprint more comprehensive and informative.
Step 6: Save the Blueprint as a Template
Once you are satisfied with the blueprint project setup and customization, it’s time to save it as a template for future use. To do this, click on the ellipsis (…) next to the project name and select “Save as a Template.” Give your template a descriptive name and save it in a location where it can be easily accessed by you and your team.
Conclusion
Creating a blueprint in Wrike is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your project management capabilities. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a customized blueprint that perfectly aligns with your project requirements. Remember, the blueprint is not set in stone and can be updated and refined as needed. Utilize the power of Wrike’s blueprint feature to save time, increase productivity, and ensure consistency across your projects. Happy blueprinting!